GARDENERS
Have a yard, garden, deck or balcony? You can create a vital habitat for pollinators simply by planting native plants or growing a pocket prairie. You will not only be helping pollinators thrive, but you will also be bringing your outdoor space to life with butterflies, moths, native bees and other pollinators!
Introducing Wild Thumb!
Now it’s easier than ever for everyone to grow native plants to help pollinators! TPWF’s Wild Thumb app takes the guess work out of selecting the best native plants or seed mixes for your ecoregion and provides step-by-step guidance to plan, prep, plant, and properly care for them. Whether you want to grow a few plants in pots, create a native flower bed in your yard, or grow a pocket prairie, this free app will help you be a more confident and successful gardener. Sign up now to be notified when the app launches.
A native plant garden or pocket prairie can be as small as a few square feet or as large as your entire yard. A native plant garden is usually grown by transplanting a potted plant that you purchase from a nursery or garden center. A pocket prairie is grown from seed mix, which you also can purchase from a nursery, garden center or from a seed company. Both types of pollinator-friendly habitat do well in Texas soils and climates and offer a varied display of blooms throughout the year.
BENEFITS OF NATIVE GARDENS
AND POCKET PRAIRIES
Drought-tolerant, reducing water usage
Require minimal upkeep
Are perennial or reseed naturally year after year
Provide food and shelter for pollinators and wildlife
Improve soil, water, and air quality
Photo courtesy of TPWD @Chase Fountain
GUIDE TO PLANTING A POCKET PRAIRIE
This simple step-by-step guide will help you be successful in growing a beautiful and pollinator-friendly pocket prairie!
Photo courtesy of TPWF @Jonathan Vail 2016
GUIDE TO PLANTING A NATIVE GARDEN
This simple step-by-step guide will help you be successful growing a native plant garden for you and pollinators to enjoy.
WHERE TO BUY NATIVE PLANTS AND SEEDS
H-E-B stores throughout Texas also carry native plants, with the most varied selection available at H-E-B stores with Texas Backyard sections.
Texas native seed companies can help you select the seed mix best for your ecoregion. Native American Seed has native wildflower and grass seeds and live roots for your ecoregion.
Native Plant Society of Texas chapters are located throughout the state hold native plant sales during the fall and spring seasons. Check your local chapter for information regarding their sales.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center hosts biannual plant sales in the spring and fall every year. Many local botanical gardens across the state also host native plant sales.
Texas Master Gardener chapters are located throughout the state and provide opportunities to purchase native plants. Check your local chapter for information.
Texas Master Naturalist chapters are located throughout the state and periodically host native plant sales. Check your local chapter for information.
Some native plants have several common names, which can differ depending on your location. If possible, have the scientific name handy to help ensure you buy the correct plant for your ecoregion.
Some native plants have several common names, which can differ depending on your location. If possible, have the scientific name handy to help ensure you buy the correct plant for your ecoregion.
If you do not see the plant you want, don’t hesitate to ask for it. Nurseries and other suppliers base their stock on customer demand.
If you do not see the plant you want, don’t hesitate to ask for it. Nurseries and other suppliers base their stock on customer demand.
BUYING TIPS
ATTEND A WORKSHOP
VISIT A PRAIRIE
Get Inspired! There are prairie sites across the state that showcase the beauty and diversity of these unique habitats that help pollinators thrive.
Photo courtesy of TPWD @Earl Nottingham 2015
